Carla Lockhart MP Speaks Up in Parliament for the Persecuted Church

Carla Lockhart MP • April 16, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again raised her voice in Parliament to highlight the suffering of Christians across the world who are persecuted for their faith. Speaking during a debate on international freedom of religion or belief, Mrs Lockhart urged the Government to take stronger action in defending religious freedom and to make it a core principle in the UK’s foreign policy and aid strategy.

Commenting after the debate, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“Across the world today, millions of Christians are suffering – facing violence, imprisonment, discrimination and exile simply because they believe in Jesus Christ. This is a daily reality for too many, and it’s something we cannot ignore.”


“I called on the Government to do more, to ensure that when we negotiate trade deals, when we provide international aid, freedom of religion or belief is not an afterthought, but a requirement. As a nation that values liberty and human dignity, we must use our voice and influence to defend those who are being silenced and oppressed.”


“Following the debate, I was pleased to meet with Henrietta Blyth, Chief Executive, and Chris Phillips, Northern Ireland Representative of Open Doors UK & Ireland. Open Doors continue to do remarkable work advocating for those who are too often forgotten by the world. We had a very constructive discussion on how the UK can improve its response and better support persecuted believers across the globe.”


“As Christians, and as a free people, we have a duty to speak up and to act. We must never stay silent while our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer for their faith. I will continue to do all I can in Parliament to ensure their voices are heard.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP July 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was delighted to support the Westminster launch of Farm Safety Week 2025, which runs from 21 st the 25 th July.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is continuing to call for the Labour government to step-up its frontline biosecurity efforts at all UK ports.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the movement of used agricultural machinery and forestry equipment from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart, is set to submit a motion in Parliament highlighting the damaging and disproportionate impact of the UK government’s Net Zero policy on farmers and rural communities.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed the prestigious appointment of Air Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF as the next Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty the King.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has officially marked the 150th anniversary of Carleton Street Orange Hall in Portadown by tabling Early Day Motion (EDM 1627) in the House of Commons, recognising the hall’s cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised bonfire builders, community groups and organisers across Lurgan, Portadown, Banbridge and surrounding areas for delivering a truly outstanding series of cultural celebrations in the lead-up to the 11th and 12th of July.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local toddler Teddy from Rectory in Portadown, whose incredible drumming talent has captured the hearts of people across Northern Ireland and beyond.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has hailed the Royal Black Institution’s annual ‘Royal 13th’ demonstration in Scarva as a “phenomenal success and a powerful showcase of tradition, community spirit, and cultural pride.”
By Carla Lockhart MP July 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has written to the Minister for Digital and Culture to express serious concern following troubling evidence from Northern Ireland’s Safeguarding Board, which revealed that children as young as nine are being exposed to online pornography and harmful sexual content via social media platforms.